Houthi Rebels Launch Attacks on Merchant Ships in the Red Sea
Yemen's Houthi rebels have intensified attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, using drones and missiles, leading to significant maritime safety concerns.
Overview
- Yemen's Houthi rebels are suspected of attacking ships in the Red Sea with bomb-carrying drone boats.
- Over 100 merchant vessels have been targeted, resulting in two sinkings and four fatalities.
- Crew members are forced to abandon ships due to attacks, with some vessels taking on water.
- The U.S. Navy is aware of the attacks but has not disclosed specific details.
- Emergency preparations are underway as crews abandon compromised vessels in the Red Sea.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the incident with a focus on the immediate actions of the crew and the involvement of the Houthis, emphasizing the threat posed by drone attacks. The tone suggests concern over maritime safety while maintaining a neutral stance on the geopolitical implications, reflecting a cautious approach to reporting.
The British military reported that the ship was on fire after being struck by unknown projectiles.
Articles (4)
Center (1)
"…The crew members abroad a ship set ablaze by a series of attacks in the Red Sea abandoned the vessel Sunday night as it took on water, marking the first serious assault in the vital corridor for trade after a monthslong campaign by Yemen's Houthi rebels there."
ABC News·1d·FAQ
The Houthi rebels have used bomb-carrying drone boats, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire to attack merchant vessels in the Red Sea.
More than 100 merchant vessels have been targeted by the Houthis between November 2023 and January 2025, resulting in two ships sunk and four fatalities. These attacks have forced crew members to abandon ships and have significantly disrupted trade through the Red Sea corridor.
The Liberian-registered bulk cargo ship Magic Seas was attacked with multiple explosive-laden drone boats, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire by Houthi rebels. The ship was set ablaze, forced to take on water, and the crew abandoned it.
The attacks occur during a sensitive period in the Middle East, with a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing tensions involving Iran's nuclear program and US air strikes. The Houthis may be signaling their capability to strike strategic maritime targets regardless of diplomatic developments.
The U.S. Navy is aware of the Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea but has not disclosed specific details. There is concern that the renewed Houthi campaign could draw in U.S. and Western forces to the area to protect shipping lanes.
History
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